Wheelchair racer Bushell claimed gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m and admits those two medals have given him a confidence boost ahead of what could be a defining winter.

Birchfield Harrier Mickey Bushell finally wants a good winter of training as he goes about building on his European victory this summer with the Rio 2016 Paralympics in mind.

The reigning Paralympic champion in the T53 100m was plagued by a shoulder injury throughout the 2013 season but still won world silver, although he did have to take the winter off to recover.

This year has been about returning to full fitness as a result but success has still been forthcoming as he won a major title for the first time since London 2012 at the European Championships.

Wheelchair racer Bushell claimed gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m and admits those two medals have given him a confidence boost ahead of what could be a defining winter.

“The injury was a major setback for me so we are slightly behind schedule but I think we can get back on course and a good winter will do me well,” Bushell said.

“I only really got back into things in February so I’m coming back quite strongly now. I think I need a winter in me and then I will be back to full fitness then.

“Winning gold at the Europeans was fantastic. I have some big European rivals so it was nice to see that I’ve still got it after the injury. It was a nice little stepping stone for the Worlds.

“Silver at the World Championships last year was a bit of a knock to my confidence coming off the back of London. I was in my peak at London so I wanted to try and replicate that at the Worlds.

“But it wasn’t to be so I’ve got another shot next year and hopefully I can do it. The gold and silver at the Europeans are a confidence booster.

“I’ve had a few problems this year with different things so it’s very encouraging that I’m still up there with the big boys.

“Defending my title in Rio is the main aim. We will see next year where I am and then we will see what we need to improve then.”

Bushell was on hand at Birmingham’s Centenary Square on Saturday to help celebrate National Paralympic Day and, despite not being in peak condition, he’s pleased with how the year has gone.

“I’d evaluate that my season has been pretty good,” he added. “I’m still second in the world. I’m not dropping places so that’s another good point for me.

“And as long as I can up it now and try and get my No.1 spot back I will be very happy. I’ll soon be back into winter training and that’s when we are going to really build on everything.

“My next competition isn’t until January so it will be a nice rest away from competition and stresses like that and I can just relax.”

* National Paralympic Day aims to promote Paralympic sport across the UK, giving people the opportunity to relive the wonder of 2012 and to support Paralympic sports and athletes. #NPD2014 is supported by the Spirit of 2012 Trust. Visit Paralympics.org.uk/npd2014